• by Colin Kirkland , April 8, 2024

In an update to its developer guidelines for iPhones and iPads, Apple has made it possible for game emulators to be officially listed on the App Store. Apple confirmed the news to developers via an email that highlights the inclusion of retro gaming console emulators as well as downloadable game offerings.

The update comes after the EU issued a $2 billion antitrust fine against the tech giant for thwarting competition from music streaming rivals like Spotify via restrictions on its App Store. In response, the company updated its rules on music streaming, making it easier for competing apps to redirect users to an external website in the EU.

Now, fearing that the EU will find it in further violation of the Digital Markets Act, Apple has added new language to its guidelines to include gaming emulators, which haven't been available on the App Store until now.

Apple's decision may also be a response to an antitrust lawsuit filed by the US accusing the tech giant of killing off cloud game streaming apps and super apps, which resulted in Apple letting cloud streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce Now onto the App Store.

Prior to the update, iOS users who wanted to access an emulator on their device were forced to install sideloading tools or alternative app stores. By allowing developers to create and distribute game emulators, more Android emulators could flood the App Store.

That is if emulator developers are not scared of being sued by the major game companies that hold the rights to distribution, like Nintendo, which recently sued the developers of emulator-creator Yuzu out of business in early March. Since then, a handful of developers have abandoned projects or have completely retreated from the emulation space.

In addition, Apple will be watching for pirated uploads, saying that developers “are responsible for all such software offered in your app, including ensuring that such software complies with these Guidelines and all applicable laws.”/p>

Regardless, Apple's new rule on emulators applies to developers worldwide.